China International Import Expo: A New Opportunity for Pacific States?

Abstract

The recent China International Import Expo (held in Shanghai from 5–10 November) represented a valuable opportunity for Pacific Island countries (PICs) to promote their products to Chinese importers and consumers. The eight PICs which have diplomatic relations with China — Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Cook Islands and Niue — displayed their featured products (Table 1). Although the expo was designed to showcase China’s commitment to promoting free trade and reducing its trade surplus with partner countries, the sheer scale of China’s economy means that an imbalance in bilateral trade between China and PICs is ingrained. Show more